gunky/oily leak

[LLarson]

Have owned my 1999 996 C2 Cab for 4 years, Tiptronic tran.  I've done all maintenance (lots of it) myself.  With turning 99K+ miles, this Springs maintenance will be pretty extensive, oil/filter, spark plugs, etc, etc.  One issue I'd like to fix is a gunky/oily leak at the left (driver side) front of the engine (not a very big leak, but messy).  The small leak has been there since day one of ownership.  The leak is a whiteish/yellowish gunk and a dark oily liquid and it drips down on to the rear anti-roll bar (DS).  The engine oil and water levels remain very constant.  My thought was maybe the AOS, but the engine runs great and there is no excessive exhaust smoke.  Could it be the rubber bellows at the base of the AOS (just read a blurb on how to replace the bellows).  The main problem is that I can't identify where the leak starts from.  Any suggestions on resolving this issue will be greatly appreciated.  Hope the pictures help. 

[JFP in PA]

Welcome to RennTech

Oil leaks can be a pain to track down, and what often looks like a low are leak is actually coming from much higher up.  I would suggest a through engine cleaning as the first step, and then keep and eye on it for a few days to isolate the leak.  Cam cover and plug tube leaks are fairly common on these cars, but you don't want to start repairs before properly diagnosing the issue.

 

Good luck.

[DBJoe996]

From the location I would definitely check the AOS bellows which is above. 

[grown]

variocam solenoid seals and spark plug tubes is a good (easy) place to start. Do both sides. Doing these seals with the spark plugs is no bid deal. Take the mufflers off!